Kottayam town is the gateway to pilgrim centres of Sabarimala, Mannanam, Kuruvilangad, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Bharananganam,Erumeli, Manarcadu, Aruvithura and Athirampuzha. The famous Vaikom Siva Temple, associated with the legendary Parasurama, is just 40 Km. north of Kottayam town and is a typical example of Kerala Temple Architecture. So also are the Temples of Perunna , Vazhappally and Thrikkodithanam near Changanachery. There is a school imparting training in Temple art forms like PaNchavadyam, (orchestra of five musical instruments)
Sopanasangeetham, Nagaswaram etc at Vaikom in connection with Siva Temple. The temple at Ettumanoor about 12 Km. north of Kottayam is famous for the exquisite samples of ancient murals and 'Ezharaponnana' or the 7 ½ elephants finished in gold. In the St. Mary's Church at Kuravilangad built in 355 AD there is an old bell, which bears a hitherto undeciphered inscription. The mortal remains of the Blessed Sister Alphonsa and Blessed Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara are entombed at the St. Mary's Church at Bharananganam and the St.Joseph's Monastry Church at Mannanam respectively. The religious festivals of this district are also famous. Pettathullel at Erumeli (January) Ashtami at Vaikom (November/December) Ezharaponnana at Ettumanoor (February / March). Blessed Alphonsa at Bharananganam(July) Ettunompu at Manarcad(September)Chandanakudam at Changanacherry (December) are prominent among them.
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